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Tourism Industry Touched by New and
Returning Faces in Key Portfolios During Federal Cabinet Shuffle
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OTTAWA, July 15 2013 - In the most highly anticipated Cabinet shuffle of the Conservative Government's tenure, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has made some changes to his Cabinet. While the government hopes to recast and renew itself in the lead-up to the election in 2015 by adding a number of fresh faces, most of the key economic ministers will keep their portfolios to ensure the stability and momentum of the Economic Action Plan. Although Maxime Bernier remains responsible for tourism, many of the other 14 departments and agencies that touch tourism have seen leadership changes.
Leadership of federal departments and agencies that
affect tourism
PM Harper sends a strong message about his continued focus on the Economic Action Plan by reappointing ministers with key economic portfolios:
- Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance;
- Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board of Canada;
- John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs;
- Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade;
- Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture; and
- Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources.
PM Harper's continued confidence in Maxime Bernier as Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) is demonstrated as he stays on in the tourism portfolio. Bernier has also been given additional responsibilities as the Minister of State (Agriculture).
Other key portfolios for tourism have been re-energized: - Strong Cabinet performer, Jason Kenney has been named Minister of Employment and Social Development, a super-ministry overseeing employment and immigration;
- James Moore was promoted to the Minister of Industry after five strong years as Minister of Heritage;
- Chris Alexander, a new addition to Cabinet and former ambassador to Afghanistan is now Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. His experiences abroad will make him receptive to issues surrounding visitor visas;
- Lisa Raitt, the new Minister of Transport, is familiar with many aspects of this portfolio through her former position as Labour Minister. Raitt has a strong understanding of the value chain of the transport sector and its importance to the Canadian economy;
- Leona Aglukkaq's move to the Environment portfolio which includes Parks Canada, ensures the file is led by a champion of sustainable economic development and
- Denis Label is now focusing on Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs which indicates a cities agenda.
Other notable leadership changes include:
- Steven Blaney's move to Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;
- Michelle Rempel's appointment to Western Economic Development; and
- Kerry-Lynne Findlay to National Revenue.
In the coming weeks TIAC will work closely with new and returning members of Cabinet to ensure that the government will prioritize the growth of the tourism industry. The new ministerial appointments will allow TIAC to re-engage key ministries and help propel the Federal Tourism Strategy forward.
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